Summer is the ideal time to map out your testing schedule for the upcoming admissions cycle. One of the most common mistakes students and families make is waiting too long to register for admissions exams, only to find that preferred test dates and locations are full. Students applying to independent schools should review upcoming registration deadlines for the ISEE and SSAT and consider testing in late summer or early fall to allow time for retesting if needed. Families pursuing New York...

For many students, summer is a welcome chance to relax after a busy school year. It is a time to spend with family, explore new interests, and take a break from the routines of classes, homework, and exams. But summer can also be an opportunity for something equally important: reflection. As students begin thinking about private school, boarding school, college, or specialized program applications, they often focus on grades, activities, and deadlines. While those pieces matter, some of the...

One of the most common questions families ask is: “When should students begin college test prep?” The answer depends on each student’s goals and learning style, but in general, the best time to start preparing for the SAT or ACT is during the second half of sophomore year or the summer before junior year.